10 Days Scottish Clans & Castles

Itinerary

Scotland tours compared

Scottish Clans & Castles 10 Days / 9 Nights

Day 1: Glasgow Arrival & Doune CastleTour begins at 2:00 PM at your Drymen hotel, 20 miles north of Glasgow. Visit Doune Castle, which has been featured in "Game of Thrones" and "Outlander." Enjoy free time in Callander and a drive through the Trossachs region, often called "Scotland in Miniature" as all aspects of delightful Scottish scenery are found here. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner.(D)

Day 2: Stirling Castle & Bannockburn Visitor CenterVisit Stirling Castle, a mighty stronghold that dominates the surrounding plain, before some free time on your own for lunch. Tour the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre to learn about medieval weapons and armour, walk the real battlefield where Scottish King Robert the Bruce defeated English troops, and enjoy a thrilling 3D battle show.(B, D)

Day 3: Glencoe & Eilean Donan CastleHead into the majestic Highlands and journey by Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland's most spectacular and beautiful places. Stop for photo opportunities along the route. Treat yourself to Scottish goods at a woollen mill and continue your journey north to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle.(B, D)

Day 4: Isle Of Skye & Dunvegan CastleExplore the Isle of Skye and learn the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time.(B, D)

Day 5: Clan Donald Centre & Highlands Train RideDiscover the history of the Lords of the Isles at the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle. Embark on a ferry ride to Mallaig then board a local train for a ride through some of Scotland's most picturesque scenery, including crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct. Travel from Fort William to your hotel in Inverness.(B, D)

Day 6: Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart CastlePhoto opportunities await as you visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland's largest castle, and embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. Stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ending the Jacobite rising. Return to Inverness for dinner and an evening walking tour.(B, D)

Day 7: Whisky Tasting & Brodie CastleSee where many Speyside distilleries are based close to the pure water of the River Spey. Tour Glen Grant Distillery and sample a "wee dram of whisky." Tour Johnstons of Elgin to discover the history and craftsmanship behind their fine woollens. Explore 16th-century Brodie Castle, set in spacious grounds with its fairytale towers and turrets. The house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings, and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Return to Inverness and relax before dinner at your hotel.(B, D)

Day 8: Sheepdogs & Culross WalkImmerse yourself in farm life and enjoy a demonstration where dogs obey commands to round up sheep. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Continue to Culross for a walking tour around the charming 16th-century town, recently used as a filming location for "Outlander." Highlights include the Town House, Culross Palace, and the remains of Culross Abbey. Enjoy free time in Culross before heading to Edinburgh for a Scottish evening with a farewell dinner and traditional entertainment.(B, D)

Day 9: Edinburgh Tour & Palace of HolyroodhouseIn Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town are in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. The rest of the day is free. July 25th to August 15th departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Castle Esplanade.(B, D)

Day 10: Tour Ends In EdinburghYour program ends after breakfast.(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner